JackJumpers Recruit Hard-Working Winner

New Tasmania JackJumpers recruit Rashard Kelly has described himself as a hard-working winner.

The 26-year-old joins Tasmania from France’s LNB Pro A league, where he was playing with JDA Dijon Basket, and he is looking forward to building on the JackJumpers’ Grand Final making season.

“I’m a hard-working guy who comes from winning cultures. I’ve won on every level, and I want to continue to win and continue to get better,” Kelly said.

“The Tasmania JackJumpers had recent success this year and I just want to help build that legacy and the things they are starting in Tasmania.”

Kelly added he has always been a fan of the NBL and playing in Australia has been on his radar.

The Wichita State product mentioned former Cairns Taipans and Melbourne United guard Melo Trimble as a friend he has spoken to about joining the league.

Kelly’s links to Tasmania also extend to playing against now teammate Josh Magette in Turkey, while he has also battled against former JackJumpers Josh Adams in Italy and MiKyle McIntosh in college.

The new signing was attracted to Tasmania after hearing about coach Scott Roth’s plans for the club, and he thinks his play style fits into the JackJumpers’ culture.
“(Roth’s) vision and plan for the JackJumpers. The style of play, how hard they play. The opportunity for success is what brought me to make my decision,” 

Kelly said. “(I’m) a very versatile guy who likes to win. You do whatever it takes, guarding a guard, guarding a big, my energy I bring every night…figuring out how to win is my end goal, that’s just the guy who I am.”

Roth revealed Kelly “ticks a lot of boxes” for Tasmania on both ends of the court. “He brings a bit of nasty, and he is tough,” Roth said.

“We are a defensive minded team, and he can guard threes, fours and fives. Super versatile with the ball, he will improve our rebounding.

“A really good athlete who can play above the rim. He has a big motor, he has a lot of energy and he fits in well with our group and style of play.”